college student. couponer. naturally curly.

Couponing: A College Student’s Perspective {Repost}

I never watched Extreme Couponing. I knew what it was and how it worked (somewhat) but I never wanted to do it. When I became a cashier, I started to resent it a little because of the work involved – reading the coupons, processing them, keying in the ones that refuse to scan – nervewracking, sometimes. I understand they are saving money, but my goodness, the work and organization involved makes my head spin!

I rarely used coupons because I always forgot I had them. But being in college, it’s every student’s cry that we are broke. Between paying for books, tuition, and keeping gas in the car, it really adds up. Sometimes I forget I have a job because it feels like I never have any money for the things I want. So being able to get a good deal sometimes with a coupon helps out alot, but you won’t see me with a pouch full of Extrabucks and a wallet full of cash. Well…the wallet full of cash would be nice.

I do better when I plan my trip ahead of time, but I still do pretty well with little pre-organizing. I am just now starting to request rainchecks on items (which I should have done way before now!), and I feel like they’re more valuable than any coupon. It must be the lack of expiration date.

And I can’t talk about couponing without highlighting the cashier’s perspective. I just have a few things to say, I swear…

Please don’t be rude to me. I try to be nice to every customer, including extreme couponers and smokers.

I know how to read a coupon, and I can spot the frauds. If it’s expired or not for the right item, I’m not taking it. And I do count to see how many of one coupon you give me.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP STAPLING YOUR COUPONS TOGETHER!!!! This really irks me, and makes zero sense. If I rip your coupon, and it won’t scan, what do you expect me to do? (Refer to point #1)

Please hand me ALL of your coupons. Don’t hand them to me one by one, because then I’m getting suspicious.

Don’t try to trip me up. This needs no explanation. Shame on you.

Please don’t bring me NEXT WEEK’S ad demanding I adjust the price of what you bought “because it’s about to go on sale”. Nice try.

Annnnnd off my soapbox. Thank you for reading, and I hope you had a relaxing weekend.